Staying sharp and within regulations is a critical aspect of being a United States Marine. Marine Corps Uniform Regulations are meticulously detailed to ensure uniformity, professionalism, and to honor the traditions of the Corps. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of key updates and clarifications to USMC uniform policy, drawing from official MARADMIN releases and policy changes to keep Marines informed and correctly attired. Understanding and adhering to these regulations is not just about compliance, it’s about embodying the pride and discipline that define every Marine.
Hair Regulations: Clarifications on Length and Style
Recent updates, stemming from MARADMIN 615/22 and incorporated into MCO 1030.32H, have provided further clarification on hair regulations, particularly concerning hair length and authorized styles for female Marines.
For all Marines, regardless of gender, when hair is considered long length, it must be secured up at all times while in uniform. “Secured up” is explicitly defined as ensuring no portion of the hair is left falling naturally, unsecured, or with exposed ends. This is the standard for all duty, except during authorized non-combat physical training.
However, during non-combat physical training, a degree of flexibility is permitted for female Marines. Medium and long length hair may be worn in an unsecured full ponytail or an unsecured braid. This authorization is specifically for non-combat PT scenarios.
To aid in securing hair, inconspicuous hairpins and bobby pins are authorized. Similarly, barrettes and combs are permitted, provided they are consistent with the hair color and are concealed by the hair itself. Ponytail holders must also be consistent with the hair color and while they need not be concealed, they should be inconspicuous in nature.
It’s crucial to note what is not authorized. Conspicuous hair securing devices such as headbands, scrunchies, alligator clips, and bows remain prohibited. These clarifications are vital for all Marines to ensure compliance with grooming standards.
Tattoo Policy Amplification
The Marine Corps tattoo policy is detailed and specific. MCBul 1020, updated on 29 Oct 2021 and extended until 29 Oct 2023, provides the most current guidance. It’s essential to consult this bulletin before getting any tattoos to ensure compliance with regulations.
A significant update is the rescission of the prohibition on wearing the blue dress “A/B” and blue-white “A/B” uniforms with a skirt if visible leg tattoos are present. This previous restriction has been removed, offering more flexibility in uniform wear for Marines with leg tattoos. This update will be officially integrated into Change 1 of the Marine Corps Uniform Regulations. Marines are strongly advised to thoroughly review MCBul 1020 if considering new tattoos to stay within policy guidelines.
Belt Guidance for the Female Dress Blue Coat
A specific adjustment has been made for the wear of belts with the new Female Dress Blue Coat (FDBC), as outlined in MARADMIN 596/18. Paragraph 3002 of the Uniform Regulations has been updated to clarify belt placement.
For all uniforms, belts are to be worn at the natural waistline. The buckle’s right edge (wearer’s right) should align with the edge of the fly or coat front. This remains consistent for male officer and enlisted service coats, and male officer dress coats.
However, due to the FDBC closing in the opposite direction to the male coat, the belt for the FDBC is worn differently. For the new female officer blue dress coat, the left edge of the buckle (wearer’s left) should align with the edge of the coat front. Additionally, the end of the belt will extend out to the wearer’s left. Essentially, the female belt is worn opposite to the male belt due to the coat’s design.
Cold Weather Uniform Items: Black Field Gloves, Inserts, and Watchcaps
CMC Decision Memo dated 10 Jan 18 and MARADMIN 596/18 have established mandatory possession dates for cold weather uniform items.
Coyote field glove liners (DSCP black liners meet the minimum requirement) had a mandatory possession date of 1 Oct 2019. The coyote watchcap followed with a mandatory possession date of 1 Oct 2020, and black field gloves became mandatory by 1 Oct 2021.
The DSCP field gloves and liners are authorized for wear in garrison or in the field with the MCCUU at the individual’s discretion. Notably, the liners can be worn as an outer garment, except in formations. The DSCP issued coyote watchcap is authorized with physical training uniforms and the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) in both garrison and field environments when weather conditions necessitate.
Regarding saluting, Marines will maintain standard saluting protocols when wearing the coyote watchcap in non-tactical or garrison environments, just as if wearing garrison MCCUU caps. However, saluting is not required when wearing the cold weather watchcap with the physical training uniform.
Female Fades: Authorized Hair Style for Short Hair
Female Marines with short hair now have specific authorization for “zero” fades, providing a detailed guideline for this hairstyle.
A “zero” fade is authorized at the hairline at the nape of the neck, extending to a maximum length of one inch. The fade must commence at zero length and gradually increase, completing the fade within two inches of the hairline at the nape of the neck.
It is important to note that zero fades on the sides of the head are not authorized. The shortest permissible hair length on the sides remains 1/4 inch, and a quarter-inch fade is allowed.
For female Marines with long hair, shaving hair on the back of the neck below the hairline is permitted if that hair cannot be neatly incorporated into a bun. This provides clarity and standardization for female Marines opting for faded hairstyles.
Fourragere: Wear and Obsolete Attachments
Regulations concerning the French Fourragere have been updated, clarifying wear and addressing obsolete attachments.
The black tip pencil attachment for the French Fourragere is now obsolete. While Marines who were permanently awarded this attachment prior to its obsolescence in 2001 may continue to wear it, it is no longer current.
Only Marines who were personally awarded the French Fourragere for actions during WWII are authorized to wear it as a permanent decoration. Marines currently serving with the 5th and 6th Marines wear the Fourragere while attached to those units and will utilize the polished brass tip pencil attachment. Paragraph 5302.4 of MCO 1020.34H will be updated to reflect these changes.
Hands in Pockets: Garrison Policy
MCO 1020.34H has implemented a clear policy regarding hands in pockets while in garrison.
Effective immediately, placing hands in pockets is prohibited in a garrison environment, except when necessary to retrieve items from pockets. This applies at all times while in garrison. However, the policy allows for the application of good judgment in field environments, acknowledging practical necessities may differ outside of garrison settings.
Hose Color in the Blue Dress Uniform: Formal Occasions
Clarification has been provided on the appropriate hose color to be worn with the Blue Dress Uniform, distinguishing between formal and semi-formal occasions.
Smoke/off black hose are exclusively for formal occasions when wearing the Blue Dress Uniform. For all other occasions, the default hose color is nude/flesh-tone harmonizing hose.
Determining the formality of an event can be guided by civilian dress codes. Using the “ball gown rule,” if civilians are instructed to wear formal attire (ball gowns and tuxedos), then smoke hose is appropriate. If semi-formal civilian attire is indicated, or if no civilians are present but officers and SNCOs are not wearing evening dress uniforms, then nude hose should be worn.
Despite the Blue Dress Uniform often being associated with formal events like the Birthday Ball, the default hose color is actually nude/skin-tone harmonizing hose, as truly formal events are relatively infrequent.
HQMC Uniform of the Day: Pentagon Reservation
ALMAR 13/20 specifies the Uniform of the Day for Marines and Sailors serving at or visiting the Pentagon Reservation.
The mandated uniform for all Marines and Sailors whose permanent duty station is the Pentagon Reservation, or who are visiting for official business, is the service “B”/”C” uniform, appropriate for the season. This ensures a consistent and professional appearance within Headquarters Marine Corps.
Male Fades: Haircut Regulation Details
Detailed guidance has been issued concerning male fades, particularly for the “low regulation” haircut, providing concrete parameters.
The zero fade must commence at the nape of the neck and continue upwards to the top orifice of the ear. This defines the lower limit for fades in low regulation haircuts. Fades must start at zero and graduate upwards to the maximum permissible hair length, ensuring the maximum length is not reached before the top orifice of the ear.
While this regulation sets a minimum fade height, it does not prevent Marines from extending the zero fade beyond the top orifice of the ear, such as in a high and tight style. However, mohawks remain unauthorized. Marines may opt for a clean-shaven head if preferred. The key point is that for “low regulation” fades, the fade must extend to at least the top orifice of the ear, eliminating very short, quickly graduated fades.
Manicures in Utilities: Natural Nail Mimicry
Policy regarding manicures in the MCCUUs has been updated by Uniform Board 209 to allow for manicures that mimic the natural nail.
Female Marines are now permitted to wear nail polish in MCCUUs, provided it mimics the natural nail appearance. The natural nail typically has a beige-colored tip beyond the nail bed. Authorized manicures are restricted to clear polish or those mimicking the natural nail, such as French/American manicures or similar styles with a white, off-white, or beige tip. The portion of the nail over the nail bed must be pale pink, nude, or peach-like.
Fully painted nails in nude, peach, or pink without a white/beige tip are not authorized in utilities. These solid colors are reserved for wear with dress and service uniforms. This updated policy offers a subtle option for manicures while maintaining a professional appearance in utility uniforms.
Marine Corps Birthday Ball Uniform Standardization for Officers and SNCOs
ALMAR 042/11 standardizes the Marine Corps Birthday Ball uniform for officers and SNCOs.
The prescribed uniform for officers and SNCOs attending the Marine Corps Birthday Ball is the Dress Blue Uniform (with blue trousers/skirt/slacks) or the Evening Dress Uniform. This policy ensures uniformity in appearance for senior ranks at this significant annual event and does not extend to Sergeants and below.
Marine Corps Boot Program: Minimum Requirements and Certified Boots
The Marine Corps Boot Program outlines minimum boot requirements and standards for optional boot wear.
The minimum requirement is one pair of hot weather and one pair of temperate weather boots. Marines may wear either the Marine Corps Combat Boot (MCCBs) or the Rugged All Terrain (RAT) boot to meet this requirement.
Optional boots are permitted if certified. Certified optional boots MUST feature the Marine Corps emblem on the heel and a certification approval number tag, typically found inside the upper portion of one boot. Boots lacking both the emblem and tag are not certified uniform items and are unauthorized for wear, even if from an approved manufacturer. It is important to verify both features when purchasing boots online or in stores, as manufacturers often offer non-certified versions for civilian use.
Marine Corps Uniform Board 217 (MARADMIN 596/18)
MARADMIN 596/18, stemming from Uniform Board 217, addresses wear regulations for the Female Blue Dress Coat (FBDC), watchcap, and provides a list of authorized boot manufacturers. This MARADMIN is a key reference for updates concerning these uniform items.
MARPAT MCCUU Sleeve Rolling Guidance
PMCUB memo 1020 dated 12 Mar 2014 provides guidance on rolling sleeves of the MARPAT MCCUU, as detailed in paragraph 3038.3 of the MCUR.
During the summer season, MARPAT coat sleeves are to be rolled inside out, forming a “snug to the arm” roll approximately three inches wide. The bottom of the rolled sleeve should be slightly above to no more than halfway between the shoulder top and elbow top. Local commanders may authorize sleeves to be rolled down in combat and field environments. During the winter season, sleeves are worn down. When combat boots are worn, trousers should be bloused neatly and uniformly. For parades, reviews, and ceremonies in utility uniforms, helmets with appropriate MARPAT covers may be prescribed, as per MARADMIN 078/14.
Maternity Uniform Development: T-shirts and Fit Adjustments
Developments in maternity uniforms include new optional items and design improvements for better fit.
Maternity t-shirts and nursing t-shirts have been certified by Marine Corps Systems Command (SysCom) as optional clothing items and are being made available for purchase through MCCS, both in stores and online.
Additionally, side tabs are being incorporated into maternity khaki long and short-sleeve shirts and the maternity tunic to allow for adjustable fit throughout pregnancy. Production of these updated items is underway. SysCom is also developing blue dress maternity skirts and slacks with a fielding date to be determined, which will be added to the maternity supplemental clothing allowance.
Naval Personnel Wearing Marine Corps Uniforms: Grooming Standards
NAVADMIN 233/18 clarifies grooming standards for Sailors assigned to Marine Corps units who wear Marine Corps uniforms.
Sailors assigned to U.S. Marine Corps units and wearing Marine Corps uniforms must adhere to Marine Corps grooming standards, with one exception: male Sailors are not required to maintain zero fade hairstyles. This ensures a consistent standard of appearance within Marine units that include Navy personnel, while recognizing existing Navy grooming policies.
New Female Blue Dress Coat (FBDC): Availability and Regulations
The Female Blue Dress Coat (FBDC) is now available for purchase and authorized for wear. The mandatory possession date is 1 Oct 2022. The older women’s blue dress coat is authorized until 30 September 2022, after which it becomes obsolete. Marines retiring before the obsolescence date may continue to wear the old coat into retirement, and former Marines exiting before this date may also wear it at their discretion as per MCO 1020.34H, chapter 12.
Key points regarding the FBDC include:
- The FBDC and male dress blue coat are gender-specific and not interchangeable. Female Marines should ensure they purchase the FDBC, which does not have front pockets like the male coat.
- Enlisted female Marines will continue to wear gender-specific chevrons on the FBDC. The white web belt, waistplate, and branch of service insignia remain gender-neutral.
- Female officers do not wear the male white dress shirt or white cuffs under the FBDC. Both male and female officers will wear the white strip collar with standing collar coats, which is a gender-neutral item. The belt and buckle are included with both the male dress coat and FBDC.
Ordering the 8th & I Blue Overcoat: Ceremonial Use
Neptune Garment Company is now accepting orders for the 8th & I blue overcoat, suitable for ceremonial purposes. Units requiring this ceremonial blue overcoat must fund the purchase themselves and can contact Neptune Garment Company at 1-800-320-3980 or [email protected].
Ponytails in Marine Corps Uniforms: PT Exception
Ponytails are generally not authorized for wear in Marine Corps uniforms, with a specific exception for PT uniforms during physical training. Ponytails are not authorized for female Sailors or Marines in any Marine Corps uniform, except for PT uniforms while actively participating in PT.
Running Suit Wear Guidance: Authorized Combinations and Restrictions
CMC clarifications provide detailed wear guidance for the running suit, outlining authorized combinations and restrictions.
- Only the running suit jacket and sweatshirt may be worn as outer garments for non-PT leave and liberty.
- The full running suit or its components can be worn with any part of the PT ensemble (running suit, general purpose trunks, green undershirt) for PT leave and liberty situations only.
- The olive green sweat suit should never be worn with running suit components.
- Commanders determine the necessity of wearing the reflective belt with the running suit based on safety considerations, regardless of daylight or darkness.
- Marines are authorized to wear commercial/”rainbow” clothing (non-issued PT shirts/shorts) with the running suit, sweats, and green shorts/undershirt for personal PT only.
- Uniform components can be mixed and matched within the PT ensemble (e.g., running suit trousers with the green undershirt, sweatpants with the green undershirt, green undershirt with black shorts are all acceptable).
- The running suit jacket is not authorized for wear with the utility uniform.
- ALMAR 019/08 also prohibits wearing the green undershirt, general purpose trunks, and sweatpants for non-PT leave and liberty.
Uniform of the Day Policy for the National Capital Region
ALMAR 54/06 outlines the Uniform of the Day policy for the Washington Metro Area, applicable to both visitors and Marines permanently assigned to the region. This local regulation, while not a Uniform Board policy, is important for all Marines in the National Capital Region to observe.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Officer/Operator Insignia
DC Aviation Memo 1000 DCA dated 16 Oct 2020 authorizes the wear of UAS officer and operator insignia for qualified personnel.
Marine officers with MOS 7318 and enlisted Marines with MOS 7316 are authorized to wear the UAS officer and operator insignia, respectively, as per paragraph 40002 of the Uniform Regulations.
View All Uniform Plates: Availability
Currently, only plate XIV (Combat Utility Uniform) remains in print and available for order (PCN 100-103-622-00). All other uniform plates are out of print and circulation. Procuring sets of prints for other uniform types is not possible unless the Historical Division reprints them.
Waiver to the Mandatory Possession Date for the Female Dress Blue Coat (FDBC)
ALMAR 007/20 provides a waiver to the FDBC mandatory possession date for Marines exiting service between 1 Oct 2022 and 1 Jan 2023. Female Marines leaving the Marine Corps within this period may continue to wear their “old” female blue dress uniform until their exit date. For all other Marines, the mandatory possession date of 1 October 2022 remains in effect.
White Crew-Neck Undershirts: Optional and Mandatory Wear
MARADMIN 143/16 authorizes female Marines to optionally wear white crew-neck, V-neck, or no undershirt under khaki service/dress shirts. However, wear of a crew-neck undershirt becomes mandatory for all Marines with visible tattoos in the “V” area created by the open collar of khaki service/dress shirts. This policy balances personal preference with uniform standards and tattoo visibility.
Civilian Clothing Replacement Allowance Rates: FY23 Update
Civilian Clothing Allowance (CCA) rates are updated annually. For FY23, the CCA rate is $391.32. Historical rates are also provided for reference:
FY23 – $391.32
FY22 – $382.68
FY21 – $375.84
FY20 – $368.28
FY19 – $360.72
FY18 – $354.24
FY17 – $347.04
FY16 – $340.80
FY15 – $335.40
FY14 – $329.76
FY13 – $323.52
FY12 – $318.00
All CCA requests now require a screenshot from MCTFS (3270) of the Marine’s D926 page for processing. Further information on the Civilian Clothing Allowance Program is available here.
Uniform Board Process and Recommendation Submission
Understanding the Uniform Board process can be valuable for Marines wishing to propose uniform changes. The process begins with a recommendation, which can originate from any Marine but requires command endorsement if from an individual. Compiled issues are briefed to the President, Marine Corps Uniform Board (PMCUB). PMCUB-approved issues proceed to the Working Group stage.
The Working Group, composed of local Marines, subject matter experts, and issue advocates, develops formal recommendations for the Board. These recommendations are then often put into survey format and distributed Corps-wide via Marines.mil for voting – the primary point of individual Marine input. Surveys are announced on the MCUB webpage and through media channels. Survey results, along with Working Group findings, are forwarded to the formal Uniform Board.
The Uniform Board, appointed by CMC and including Marines from MCB Quantico schools, provides a final vote and recommendation to CMC for each issue. CMC staff reviews and comments before CMC renders decisions. Board outcomes are published via ALMAR, promoted through HQMC media, and posted online.
Marines with uniform change ideas are encouraged to contact the POC detailed on the Uniform Board website before investing significant time and resources in a proposal. This initial contact helps ensure requests are properly submitted and considered.
By staying informed on Usmc Uniform Regulations and updates, Marines maintain the high standards of appearance and professionalism expected of them. This guide serves as a helpful resource for navigating the complexities of Marine Corps uniform policy.
